We need an active, independent left willing to challenge the push for smaller government. A well-managed government can revitalize the economy even as it makes our world a better place to live. Many Americans seem to understand that instinctively. Where, then, is the movement that will make that argument?

Colin Crouch and I talked about how he became involved with Krytyka Polityczna, why he doesn't like the term "civil society," and why he considers the creation of the European Union one of the greatest innovations in history.

This is not the first time that Manuel Valls has proposed changing the name of the French Socialist Party. That he has returned to the subject from the vantage point of his present position -- which is, like it or not, the head of the majority -- obviously gives his suggestion new weight.

As nationalist extremism gains popularity throughout East-Central Europe, can Krytyka's message of hope in hard times steal the thunder from the right and appeal to millions of Europeans orphaned by the economic crisis?

It has been clear for the past century what being a progressive means, yet this past year there have been significant attempts to redefine the meaning, for the sake of money on the one hand and hatred on the other.

Merely refraining from what you consider to be oppressive actions or statements is not enough. Checking your privilege means that, on a regular basis, you'll have to admit that you benefit from the oppression of others. Even if you're a good person, even if you 'don't see race.'

In a web exclusive interview, political scientist Adolph Reed Jr. talks with me about his new article in the March issue of Harper's Magazine -- a challenge to America's progressives provocatively titled, "Nothing Left: The Long, Slow Surrender of American Liberals."

So what does work? Short of going to war and wearing everyone down with death, misery, grief, infrastructure and economic ruin, what works? Negotiation. Mediation. Education that you will never get exactly what you want, and I won't either.

The reality in Venezuela does not support Chavez's supposed leftist credentials. It would be much better for the European and British left to look at more sensible Latin American leftist leaders such as Velasco or Lula, and less toward Chávez's siren calls.